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The Rise of the Modern Stadium

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The Premier League continues to be a major draw for tourism in the UK, with a remarkable 1.5 million visits in 2019, many of which included watching live football matches.

Among the most popular destinations for football fans were the historic grounds of Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Liverpool’s Anfield.

But which stadiums are truly the most visited overall? Ticketgum has crunched the numbers, analyzing social media metrics and Instagram location tags to reveal the most visited Premier League stadiums.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: A Beacon of Modern Football Architecture

Claiming the top spot, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium emerges as the most visited stadium in the Premier League, boasting an impressive 156,100 Instagram location tags.

This state-of-the-art venue, completed in 2019 at a staggering cost of £1.2 billion, is not only the largest stadium in London with a capacity of 62,850 but also a marvel of modern design.

The stadium offers an intimate and electrifying spectator experience, thanks to its steeply angled stands and acoustics optimized by the same engineers who work with U2.

It’s a place where fans are drawn not just by the quality of football but by the promise of an unmatched atmosphere.

Everton’s Goodison Park: A Historic Gem

In second place, Everton’s Goodison Park has garnered 107,700 location tags. Despite its aged charm and historical significance as the first major football stadium built in England, Goodison Park is set to be replaced by the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium after the 2024/25 season.

This news has likely spurred fans to make the pilgrimage to Goodison while they still can, basking in its rich heritage and unique atmosphere that has been a staple for Everton fans for decades.

Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium: Modern Majesty

Third on the list is Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, which has accumulated 95,700 location tags.

Architecturally described as both “beautiful” and “intimidating,” the Emirates Stadium features a four-tiered bowl design and translucent polycarbonate roofing, providing an elegant yet imposing structure.

The move from Highbury to the Emirates saw Arsenal’s matchday revenue skyrocket, showcasing the financial benefits of a modernized stadium.

With over 60,000 seats, it’s a premier destination for both fans and tourists alike.

A Surprising Lack of Tags for Anfield and Old Trafford

Despite their global fame, Liverpool’s Anfield and Manchester United’s Old Trafford do not top the list, with Anfield receiving 23,400 tags and Old Trafford just 59,700.

These figures suggest that while they are iconic, the allure of new and innovative stadiums is capturing the modern football fan’s imagination more effectively.

Brighton and Hove Albion’s American Express Stadium: The Least Visited

At the bottom of the list is Brighton and Hove Albion’s American Express Stadium, with only 2,000 location tags.

Despite its relatively new status, having opened in 2011, and its expanded capacity of 31,800 seats, it remains the least visited stadium in the Premier League according to social media geotag data.

This highlights a stark contrast in fan engagement and social media presence compared to its more celebrated counterparts.

The results: The most visited Premier League stadiums

RankPremier League teamPremier League stadiumTotal stadium location tags on Instagram
1.Tottenham HotspurTottenham Hotspur Stadium156,100
2.EvertonGoodison Park107,700
3.ArsenalEmirates Stadium95,700
4.Newcastle UnitedSt. James Park92,500
5.Wolverhampton WanderersMolineux Stadium84,800
6.Manchester UnitedOld Trafford59,700
7.Crystal PalaceSelhurst Park55,000
8.FulhamCraven Cottage47,000
9.Nottingham ForestCity Ground44,000
10.Burnley FCTurf Moor43,600
11.ChelseaStamford Bridge38,400
12.BrentfordGtech Community stadium25,600
13.LiverpoolAnfield23,400
14.A.F.C BournemouthVitality stadium18,900
15.SheffieldBramall Lane17100
=16.Aston VillaVilla Park6,000
=16.West Ham UnitedLondon Stadium6,000
18.Luton TownKenilworth road5,100
19.Manchester CityEtihad2,100
20.Brighton and Hove AlbionAmerican Express stadium2,000 

The data from Ticketgum underscores a growing trend: while historic stadiums hold a special place in the hearts of many, the allure of modern, state-of-the-art venues is undeniable.

The most expensive Premier League stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with its cutting-edge design and fan-centric features, exemplifies this shift.

As clubs continue to invest in their infrastructure, we can expect the landscape of most visited stadiums to evolve, reflecting both the passion of football fans and the ever-changing demands of the sport.